KUALA LUMPUR: The deliberate refusal of some borrowers to repay loans from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) without valid reasons is viewed as a violation of rights and trust, with serious implications in Islam.
Penang mufti Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman said that debts were a trust in Islam that must be honoured within the agreed repayment period.
"Debt is a burden and a trust that must be fulfilled. If someone in debt passes away, their unsettled debt will hold them accountable in the hereafter, and their estate must first settle these debts before any inheritance is distributed," he said.
Mohd Sukki also said that Islam discouraged incurring debt unnecessarily and described the gravity of delaying repayment.
Citing Prophet Muhammad, he said, "Delaying debt repayment by a wealthy person is an act of injustice" (al-Bukhari).
"Those financially capable must not neglect their obligation. Delayed repayments deprive others of PTPTN funding, impacting future students in need. Settle your debts promptly for the benefit of this world and the hereafter," he added.
The discussion follows a Berita Harian report revealing that some PTPTN borrowers aged 60 and above have yet to settle their loans.
PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim said that the institution needed some RM3 billion annually to support higher education for 450,000 existing borrowers and 150,000 new ones each year.
Similarly, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) Faculty of Islamic Studies dean Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Izhar Arif Mohd Kashim highlighted the obligation to repay educational loans.
"Educational loans are no different from debts for assets like vehicles or homes. PTPTN funds are public money meant to support underprivileged students. Ignoring repayment is haram (prohibited) and sinful, and borrowers will be held accountable before Allah SWT," he said.
Izhar reminded borrowers that an agreement to repay the loan was binding and must not be taken lightly.
"A debt remains a debt, and failing to repay it has consequences in the hereafter. These funds are essential for the education of future generations," he said.